91st Annual County Fair Kicks Off Sunday

Begins with vesper service, followed by Fair Queen Pageant

By Chanin Rotz-Mountz

STAFF WRITER

Having spent much time laboring away in the barn, in the garden or over the oven, local residents are making their final preparations and checking off their to-do list in anticipation of the 91st annual Fulton County that will kick off this Sunday.

Visitors lining up at the gates over the next week have learned to expect many of the traditions they’ve come to love over the years, whether its good food and fellowship or derby events and the final livestock auction.

In touching base with the “News,” Fulton County Fair Board secretary and spokesperson Sheila DeShong reported the fair will begin on Sunday, August 14, with the open horse show. For the second consecutive year, the show is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.

Meanwhile, the annual vesper service sponsored by the Mc- Connellsburg Ministerium will start at 6:30 p.m. to be followed at 8 p.m. by the Fulton County Fair Queen Pageant sponsored by the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. Four teen girls will be taking center stage during the much-anticipated event to showcase their composure, wits and fair knowledge in hopes of claiming the title of fair queen. Sunday admission is free.

Following last year’s scheduling change, the breeding beef showwillhavea3p.m.starton Monday, August 15, according to DeShong. Looking ahead at the entertainment schedule for that same evening, the 7:30 p.m. compact car and truck demolition derby is sure to draw in a sizeable crowd. Raindate is Tuesday.

If smash ‘em, crash ‘em events aren’t your style, those having a sweet tooth are urged to stop by the exhibit building to make a bid on baked goods beginning at 9:30 p.m. on Monday. All proceeds from the annual bake goods auction have been earmarked to benefit Fulton County Camp Cadet.

Family Day is on the list of favorite events for Tuesday’s portion of the fair from 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Gates open at 2 p.m. that day, and admission is set for $6 (includes rides) for children 12 and under; $6 admission only for individuals over 12 years old or $8 for admission and rides; children ages 2 and under are admitted for free (rides not included). Family Day events include the Little Miss Fair Queen Contest sponsored by Tower Bank at 6 p.m. and the 4X4 Orlo Ink Truck Pull at 7 p.m.

Wednesday’ schedule of events includes a 10 a.m. open breeding and sheep market show to be immediately followed by an open dairy, meat and market goat show. The Skillathon for horses and rabbits will be held between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., while the 4-H/FFA market sheep show will kick off the evening’s entertainment promptly at 6 p.m. The full-size car demolition derby set for 7:30 p.m. will wrap things up.

Thursday morning will get under way at 10 a.m. with the youth tractor driving contest, and “Senior Citizen’s Day” will give free admission to any individual age 65 and older between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Bingo and entertainment offered are sponsored by Tri- State Community Health Center and F&M Trust.

While at the fair Thursday evening, spectators can sit a spell and take in the modified and stock model lawn mower racing at 7 p.m. as hosted by the Fulton County Small Engine Club. Participants are reminded they must appear for the 5:30 p.m. tech inspection and registration period in order to race.

Receiving much fanfare during its initial debut two years ago, four-wheeler drag races will return this year on Friday, August 19, also known as “Phantom Fireworks Day.” The drag races are sponsored by Sean’s ATV Connection, RH Bunch Construction, Harryman’s True Value, Mamma’s Pizza and Ridersville Cycle. Sign-up for the event is set for 3 p.m., and practice will start at 4 p.m. Racing will get under way at 7 p.m.

Friday night’s excitement will conclude at 9:30 p.m. with a fireworks display by Phantom Fireworks.

Saturday will wrap up the fair with a variety of events, including the 1 p.m. horseshoe pitching tournament; the much-anticipated 4-H/FFA livestock sale at 6 p.m.; the minirod tractor pull at 7 p.m. as sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pullers; and a teen dance organized by Fulton County Center for Families at 8 p.m.

Midway entertainment and rides will again be provided by Mid Valley Amusements of Middleburg. Season passes are available at a cost of $25 (no rides) or $40 with rides. Passes are available for purchase through Monday, August 15, until 8 p.m.